I suppose one could pray and hope that litter goes away. But in reality we know it takes more than wishes and prayers to change a culture of mindlessness that has seized our population when it comes to littering. I think religions of the world could play an almighty role in litter education. Why aren’t these powerful voices from all faiths being used to imbue in the faithful the values of natural beauty and earthly respect? Believe it or not, some of the best do-gooders can be litterers. Littering is like many of those social problems where the perpetrator of such misdeeds can live comfortably among us, even rise to the highest ranks, appear to be a model citizen and operate without detection. We need those on platforms in places of worship to talk to their flocks about not littering. Treat it as a cause wanting to take wing across denominations and in honour of all the gods out there. Shout out to the guy who flicks every cigarette he smokes into the street. Appeal to the busy mom who dumps her toddler’s diaper under a bush in the park. Speak to the coffee drinking hordes, whose littering ways are well apparent cup after cup, lid after lid in this drive-thru, throw-out world. You’d want to believe that churches, synagogues and mosque properties, and those of other congregations around the world, are the cleanest and most waste conscious places on earth. Woefully, this is not the case generally, which is why faith leaders should be hammering away on high about our responsibility for keeping the earth tidy. In 2012, churches in Borneo made litter eradication a focal point for their members, who individually pledged to keep their churches free of litter inside and out and to never litter. To which I say, ‘Amen’. On Sunday, February 3, 10:30 a.m., I will be speaking to Don Heights Unitarian Congregation, 18 Wynford Drive, Toronto (Don Mills & Eglinton) on this very subject. Guests are welcomed. I appreciate the interest shown from this faith group. It will be an interesting morning. www.donheights.ca